VEGASDAZE BLOG

Taking the confusion out of Vegas and Maui

If you’re visiting Las Vegas or Maui and looking for something fun, exciting and adventurous to do, you've come to the right place. We talk about the hidden treasures to be discovered in the Aloha State and Glitter Gulch. You’ll also find useful tips and tidbits to make your vacation more enjoyable. Take it from our gurus, who have experienced it all from a traveler’s point of view. Start your Las Vegas and Maui adventures today!

Thursday, December 29, 2016

The coming of a new year is a time for celebration. You made it another year! It’s also a time for self-reflection. The Las Vegas Strip may not have its own New Year’s resolutions, but if it did, we think they’d look something like this.

Courtesy Las Vegas Monorail

Traveling along the 4-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard that constitutes the Strip can be a nightmare at times. Between the heavy flow of traffic, pedestrians and city buses, things can get a tad dicey. This is exactly why the city needs to expand the monorail. The Las Vegas Monorail currently runs from Sahara Avenue at the north end of the Strip to Tropicana Avenue not quite reaching the south end. While it’s fairly useful within that 3-mile track, there is a large amount of untapped potential. At the very least, the line should connect to McCarran International Airport, offering visitors to Sin City a more affordable and direct route to their hotel rooms. It would also be great to see it continue further north into Downtown Las Vegas, making Fremont Street much more accessible.

As already mentioned, it’s not easy to navigate the sidewalks of the Strip thanks to throngs of tourists and a maze of pedestrian bridges. People touring Glitter Gulch should be allowed to focus on dodging taxi cabs without being hassled by costumed panhandlers. The dingy facsimiles of cartoon characters and superheroes du jour that bark at passersby hover around that baseline of tolerability. What these people are doing is technically legal since all they are asking for is a “donation,” however forceful that may be, but that doesn’t excuse the fact that the practice is obscenely tacky.

Speaking of obscenely tacky, let’s finally do something with Fontainebleau. The 68-story tall, blue-glass building has stood unfinished across from Circus Circus for nearly eight years. It took some serious threats from Clark County commissioners before owner Carl Icahn finally agreed to make some temporary face-lifts to the decaying facade. The structure certainly has the potential to be a beautiful addition to the Strip’s less shiny north end, but sadly it remains one of the city’s biggest eyesores.

Which brings us to our final New Year’s resolution for the Las Vegas Strip. If the City of Las Vegas can manage to clean up East Fremont, then Clark County should be able to at least spruce up the Strip’s north end. Recent additions such as SLS, a total revamp of Sahara, and Lucky Dragon, a tiny Asian-themed hotel and casino that opened Dec. 3, have had a positive effect on that area of town. However, the portion of the Strip between Sahara Avenue and Spring Mountain Road remains the type of urban space that prompts pedestrians to quicken their pace, especially after sunset. Some dedicated festival grounds or a public park type space similar to MGM’s The Park would be a much welcomed quick fix.

We love our city, and if these suggested New Year’s resolutions come off a bit overcritical, it’s only out of respect that we point a digital finger. Join in on the conversation on the VegasDaze Facebook page and share with us some of your suggestions for improving the Las Vegas Strip.

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Green tourism has become a popular way of traveling the country for many environmentally minded vacationers. The key is reducing one’s carbon footprint. If you’re traveling to the Grand Canyon, consider the following tips to green up your travel plans and save money in the process.

Make your travel route as efficient as possible by planning in advance. Consider taking smaller, more direct roadways. Book flights with fewer connections.

Thursday, December 22, 2016

There's no place like Las Vegas for the holidays! The Strip's unique brand of holiday cheer is irresistible. Get in the spirit with our image gallery, showcasing the sights of Christmas 2016 in Las Vegas.

Tourists stroll through The LINQ's promenade Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016. Known as Winter PARQ, the outdoor mall of sorts is decorated for the holidays from late November to Jan. 1.

Flamingo, the Strip's oldest casino, is seen decked out in holiday flair Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016. The hotel and casino will celebrate its 70th anniversary Dec. 26.

Larger than life Christmas tree ornaments adorn the entrance to Winter PARQ Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016. Visitors to the LINQ Promenade can catch a holiday-themed light show every evening on the half hour until Dec. 30.

Tourists pose for photos under one of The Park's Christmas decorations Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016. MGM's newest edition to the Strip, an 8-acre outdoor experience, will be decked out in holiday garb through the new year.

An ice skater admires the holiday decorations Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016 at Toshiba Plaza. The rink will be open until Jan. 15.

A street performer entertains pedestrians Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, with an accordion rendition of "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer" on the corner of Park Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard.

Ice skaters enjoy the views of the Las Vegas Strip Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, from the rooftop balcony of The Cosmopolitan. Normally home to the resort's Boulevard Pool, Cosmo's balcony is converted into an ice skating rink every year for the winter.

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Gift shopping for that special someone is never easy. Is it too much to ask for that perfect gift? We say no. That’s why we’ve brought back our two Vegas gurus, one a man and the other a woman, to help guide you through holiday shopping in Las Vegas for your significant other. Check out some of these Vegas hot spots for some of the trendiest gift ideas this year.

She says: Las Vegas boasts some of the best shopping in the world. It’s a woman’s dream come true with the dozens of indoor malls, outdoor outlets and high fashion boutiques. ‘Tis the season to spend that money because, trust us, when you’re in Vegas, it will burn a hole through your pocket. This is what your lady friend is interested in this year.Lush – Lush is a vegetarian, handmade, ethical buying, fighters of animal testing cosmetic company. They have heaps of bath bombs, perfumes, makeup, and spa stuff you’ve never even realized existed (shower jellies)! They pride themselves on being environmentally friendly with little to no packaging and using the freshest ingredients around. Their products are amazing in every sense and once you step foot into one of their Vegas locations, you’ll be hooked. They have adorable holiday themed gifts out now!

Tiffany & Co. – Let’s be honest. Every girl has daydreamed about being Holly Golightly; maybe even just once. One-up kissing 33-year-old George Peppard in the rain by getting the real deal, not the Cracker Jack knock off. There are four Tiffany & Co. locations in Las Vegas, and no matter what you get, you can’t go wrong. Keep in mind they have key chains and some budget friendly items too. Regardless, that little Tiffany-blue package under the tree could bring a girl to tears.

Adventure – Some girls are more about the experience than the store-bought items. Give her a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon or a romantic flight over the Las Vegas Strip! Enjoy a champagne toast and the journey of a lifetime in a helicopter to view one of the world’s natural wonders or the glistening lights of Vegas.

He says: Shopping for your man in Las Vegas is all but guaranteed to brighten his holiday season. The high-end shops in this town have a penchant for making a man feel like a secret agent, swanky lounge crooner and international businessman simultaneously. Check out some of these stores while making the rounds during your winter vacation in Las Vegas.

Downtown Container Park – Downtown’s shipping container shopping mall with its wide variety of stores is a great place to knock out a large chunk of your holiday shopping list. Give him a little nudge in the fashionable direction with a gift from Cash Crop Clothing. The stylish threads are made from recycled material, and the buttons are made from coconuts! JoJo’s Jerky serves up some of the best—and spiciest—dried meats around. For the cigar aficionados, try Lovo Cigars. The family-run operation sells premium handmade cigars from the newly opened location in Container Park.

Tom Ford – I’m sure there are plenty of women out there lamenting the fact that their man in his early 30s is still rocking that ratty old NFL jersey. All the more reason to make a pilgrimage to the mecca of men’s fashion, Tom Ford, inside The Shops at Crystals at CityCenter. Yes, $250 is a bit excessive for a silk tie, but think of it as an investment. He’ll like the way a $250 tie makes him feel and branch out with his wardrobe choices from there … maybe.

Las Vegas Golf & Tennis – For the country club bums, there’s no place better for holiday gifts than Las Vegas Golf & Tennis. Since 1974, it’s been the go-to store for all things golf and racquet sports in the valley. Help him rise to the status of king of the weekend hackers by purchasing a Titleist 917 driver.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

You wake up in your (or maybe not your) Las Vegas hotel room. That familiar feeling of a feral animal desperately trying to escape your cranium instantly induces groans. You really did it this time. The cumulative hangover from this Vegas vacation might just do you in. We at VegasDaze are sympathetic to the plight of the Vegas tourist and would like to offer you some advice on how to cope with the dreaded hangover. This is by no means concrete medical guidance, but merely some common sense advice.

It’s understood that because alcohol is a diuretic (it causes you to have to urinate more frequently), many of the symptoms of a hangover are the result of dehydration. So drinking water before, during and after imbibing is critical. Sports drinks are commonly cited as quick fixes because of the added electrolytes. However, you don’t actually lose enough electrolytes during a night of debauchery to require immediate replacement, and it’s probably best to avoid the excess sugars. Stick to water.

Pain relievers will help to alleviate that pounding headache. Avoid any medication containing acetaminophen like Tylenol. Mixing Tylenol with alcohol will melt your liver Raiders of the Lost Ark style. Any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen will do. A multivitamin also couldn’t hurt. Don’t waste your money on the hangover remedy pills found at the checkout line of drugstores. They’re about as useful as snake oil.

The passing of time is really the only sure fire trick. Your body needs time to process last night, and there isn’t much one can do to speed that along. Sleeping it off is the best way to pass time without having to deal with the pain. Although it may sound like the worst idea ever, going for a brisk walk outside will jump start your system, improve your mood and release endorphins. There’s no such thing as “sweating it out” because the booze has likely already been metabolized, so exercise is really just a way of getting your blood pumping. You can also book a spa appointment. Fall asleep on the message table while a skilled masseuse kneads away the pain. Check out our list of unique spa treatments in Vegas.

Seeing as how this is the great American Southwest, it’s only fitting that we pass along one of our regional cures: prickly pear extract. This cactus fruit is typically sold in liquid or pill form, and is said to reduce inflammation of the liver. While it may not entirely prevent a hangover, when taken a few hours before the party begins, it will help to mitigate symptoms such as nausea, dry mouth and aversion to food.

Following up a night of heavy drinking with more alcohol is never recommended. Hair of the dog that bit you might reduce that hit-by-a-train feeling slightly, but it’s simply kicking the hangover can down the road.

Let’s say you have a flight to catch or a convention to attend the morning after that rager. You don’t have time to sleep it off at the spa. The obvious question of “Why did you do this to yourself?” aside, what you need is Hangover Heaven. This local company will come directly to your hotel room and set you up with intravenous hydration, vitamins, antioxidants, headache and nausea medication as well as an amino acid cocktail. We’re not sure what that all does, but for $200, it probably works like a charm.

We know it’s Vegas. You can’t swing a dead cat in this town without hitting a fancy cocktail lounge or epic nightclub. Hangovers are going to happen. But this common sense advice should help you out. Oh, there is one other hangover cure we should probably mention … moderation! For more Las Vegas travel advice, fun facts and recommendations, follow VegasDaze on Twitter. Socialize with us!

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Nearly a quarter of all visitors to Maui are families, and businesses on the island recognize that fact. There are plenty of roadside attractions, beach activities and community events to entertain the kids and adults alike. To help parents plan the perfect family vacation on Maui, we’ve compiled a short list of some of the island’s top kid-friendly things to do.

Snorkeling
Guaranteed to inspire the little marine biologists in your family, a snorkeling excursion is easily one of the best (and most affordable) family outings to be had on Maui. Check out our guide to Maui’s top snorkel spots.

Maui Ocean Center
Ranked among the best aquariums in the country, Maui Ocean Center features a variety of Hawaii’s sharks, turtles, stingrays and thousands of vibrant tropical fish. It is also home to the world’s largest collection of live Pacific corals.

Parasail
Perfect for those little dare devils, parasailing is an exciting addition to any family day at the beach. Local companies such as UFO Parasail boast competitive rates and impressive safety records. Be sure to call ahead to verify height and weight restrictions.

Helicopter Tour
Our preferred vendor’s Hana Landing Tour is perfect for families. This Maui helicopter tour affords memorable views of the island countryside as well as its remarkable coastlines. The helicopter flight makes a landing at a former taro plantation in the heart of Hana Rainforest, allowing children to explore the lush vegetation and scenic waterfalls.

Leilani Farm Sanctuary
This all-volunteer, nonprofit sprawled across 8 acres of green pastures is one massive petting zoo. The animals, ranging from chickens to donkeys, help to educate visitors as well as inspire compassion. Your family can tour the facilities at Leilani Farm Sanctuary Wednesdays at 4 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m.

Sugar Cane Train
At one time, Maui utilized more than 200 miles of railroad tracks to transport sugar cane from plantations to mills. Most of these rail lines were abandoned by the 1950s. A man by the name of A.W. McKelvey in cooperation with the Makai Corporation created the Sugar Cane Train in 1969 to memorialize this part of Hawaiian history. The views of Pu’u Kukui, Lanai and Moloka’i are breathtaking.

Maui Golf & Sports Park
Two beautiful, 18-hole miniature golf courses complete with volcanos and waterfalls, bumper boats, rock climbing and a bungee trampoline? What’s not to love about Maui Golf & Sports Park? The kids – and let’s be honest, probably the adults too – will have hours of fun at this family entertainment center boasting an idyllic seaside location.

Old Lahaina Luau
According to Frommers, Old Lahaina Luau’s “authenticity, intimacy, hospitality, cultural integrity and sheer romantic beauty have made this Maui’s top luau.” You’ll love the exotic menu, and the kids will love the energetic performances. There’s no guarantee anyone will love the poi.

Sure, you might have to forgo the romantic, moon-lit strolls along the beach. Yeah, you can cross off that wine tasting at the quaint, upcountry winery. But family vacations can be just as rewarding. For more fun facts, travel advice and Maui recommendations, follow VegasDaze on Twitter.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Everyone and their mother posts a Las Vegas welcome sign selfie to Instagram. But you want to stand out, right? Check out these Las Vegas oddities that are sure to take your vacation selfie game to the next level.

Seven Magic Mountains
During your drive into Las Vegas from Southern California, make a pit stop just outside of town. Just past the town of Jean, you’ll find Seven Magic Mountains, a public art piece by Swiss-born artist Ugo Rondinone. These brightly colored stones are stacked 25 to 35 feet high. It’s some sort of simulacrum, Day-Glo Stonehenge, and it’s pretty neat.

Giant Shoes
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has a reputation for housing whimsical artwork. Two must-see pieces are the very large high-heel shoes, one pink, lacy number and another rather robotic incarnation, created by artist Roark Gourley for the casino. Don’t be surprised to see a handful of people waiting to climb inside for a unique photo op.

Pink Elephant
You may have already noticed this pastel pachyderm kickin’ it poolside at Diamond Inn Motel next door to the Las Vegas welcome sign. Despite being surrounded by the world’s brightest buildings, the pink elephant certainly stands out. The motel was constructed in the 1940s, and rumor has it the elephant is a Disneyland import from the ‘50s. It used to trumpet loudly until the county finally forced the owners to remove the sound device after it caused a few traffic accidents.

The Park
Not only does The Park offer a somewhat more peaceful reprieve from the crowded Strip sidewalks, but you’ll also run into some unique public art. The Park People, as they’re affectionately referred to, are nine life-sized figures made of children’s building blocks by artist Nathan Sawaya are scattered throughout the space. Bliss Dance is another beautiful installation. The 40-feet-tall dancing woman constructed by artist Marco Cochrane looks like something off the cover of a Dave Matthew’s Band album. Nighttime is the right time for pictures with this lady as she’s all lit up in varying colors.

Big Edge
This massive sculpture was carefully crafted by American artist Nancy Rubins out of hundreds of recycled boats and serves as a surprising centerpiece to one of the Strip’s most ambitious architectural endeavors, City Center. Download a brochure with a map and details about the more than 20 art installations throughout City Center from Aria’s website.

Berlin Wall
If you’ve ever wanted to urinate on a piece of the Berlin Wall, well brother, now’s your chance! Believe it or not, little old Main Street Station in Downtown Las Vegas has a genuine portion of the infamous wall. For reasons known only to the original owner, the priceless artifact was placed in the men’s restroom and adorned with urinals. Photograph at your own risk. Women can receive a security escort to view this dubious portion of the Berlin Wall.

Crazy Girls Statue
Way back in 1994, the Las Vegas City Council attempted to persuade the Riviera, the original home of the Crazy Girls topless review, to take down a racy billboard nearby city hall that prominently featured the women’s hind quarters. The casino refused, sparking a free speech beef that carried on for nearly a decade. As a testament to the girls, the casino erected that famous bronze statue. The Riv has since been imploded, but like the Crazy Girls show itself, the statue was moved to a new home at Planet Hollywood. It just so happens to be considered one of the “World’s Top 10 Good Luck Monuments.” Give it a rub!

Snowball in Vegas
The southwest corner of Coolidge Avenue and First Street is the stomping grounds of one very large cat. Perfect for those Instagram cat lovers, this 10-foot-tall kitten head created by local artist Jesse Smigel is guaranteed to garner plenty of likes.

Big Rig Jig
The 50-foot-tall, 25-ton tanker truck mashup known as Big Rig Jig is the product of L.A. artist Mike Ross and has toured many of the West’s festivals such as Burning Man and Coachella. The monstrosity has since been purchased by Zappos CEO and founder of Downtown Project, Tony Hsieh, and placed in the parking lot of Fergusons Motel for public consumption.

Container Park Mantis
Another Burning Man relic, the fire-spitting praying mantis that guards the entrance to the Downtown Container Park is worth the cab ride over to Downtown Las Vegas. The 55-foot-tall beast dances and shoots fire from its antennae. Come for the odd mechanical sculpture; stay for the local boutiques and eateries.

Downtown Murals
Since you’re already bopping around Downtown, take a stroll through the main streets. You’ll find a number of building-sized murals throughout the neighborhood. They are painted yearly as part of the Life Is Beautiful music, art and learning festival. The murals are gorgeous and certainly social media worthy.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
The world-famous Madame Tussauds on the Las Vegas Strip offers visitors the chance to take an epic selfie or four with some of their favorite pop culture icons. The iconic wax museum houses dozens of life-life figures. Take your self-portrait with the likes of Elvis, Celine Dion, Jerry Springer or Dwayne Johnson.

Pipe Dream
Classical music buffs would do well to pay a visit to The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. The campus of this $470 million art deco beauty is dotted with public art, the crown jewel being Pipe Dream. Each pipe of this colorful sculpture represents a single note of Aaron Copland’s 1942 composition “Fanfare for the Common Man.” Next door, Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health is another photograph-worthy architectural wonder.

The Las Vegas welcome sign is played out. These Vegas oddities may not replace the city’s historic signage, but they will definitely spice up your Instagram feed during your Vegas vacation. For more fun facts, travel tips and recommendations, follow VegasDaze on Facebook.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Tourism in other metropolitan areas may be declining this time of year, but Las Vegas is still going strong! Big things are happening in Las Vegas this winter. We detail a handful of big ticket events in Las Vegas.

38 Special
Golden Nugget
Dec. 7 at 10 p.m.
Just in time for the National Finals Rodeo, Golden Nugget is playing host to a week’s worth of honky tonk favorites such as The Charlie Daniels Band and Trace Adkins. The first Wednesday of December will see the wild-eyed Southern boys of 38 Special.

Courtesy: USA TODAY Sports

UNLV vs. Duke
T-Mobile Arena
Dec. 10 at 2:15 p.m.
Duke’s men’s basketball team lead by legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski is set to take on the Runnin’ Rebels of UNLV. The bout will take place at the recently unveiled T-Mobile Arena. Back in 2011, the Rebels pulled off a shocking upset against then No. 1 ranked North Carolina Tar Heels in the championship game of the Las Vegas Invitational. So there is a precedent for big wins against quality Atlantic Coast Conference teams. We smell another upset!

Van Morrison
Jan. 13, 14 at 8 p.m.
The Colosseum
The seminal British R&B star, Van Morrison, is slated to perform two nights at The Colosseum inside Caesars Palace this January. The iconic Las Vegas Strip venue is no stranger to big name acts, but this has to be one of the biggest in recent memory.

Courtesy: Cirque du Soleil

Toruk: The First Flight
Jan. 18–22
T-Mobile Arena
Inspired by James Cameron’s box office record-shattering movie Avatar, Toruk: The First Flight is Cirque du Soleil’s most ambitious production to date. The show will make its Las Vegas debut Jan. 18 at the surprisingly intimate T-Mobile Arena. As with any Cirque production, attendees should expect amazing costuming, gravity-defying staging and impeccable choreography. Cirque du Soliel and Avatar go together like the Na'vi and those big flying things they mind meld with.

Seven Things I’ve Learned: An Evening with Ira Glass
Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts
This American Life host and creator, Ira Glass, returns to The Smith Center Feb. 11 for a night of storytelling that will incorporate unique audio and video elements. Glass’ radio program has captivated audiences since its debut in 1995 and has won numerous awards for its journalistic efforts. His one-man show appearing at the gorgeous venue in Downtown Las Vegas will surely be a night to remember.

Courtesy: Warner Music Group

Twenty One Pilots
Feb. 18 at 7 p.m.
Mandalay Bay Events Center
The Columbus, Ohio, duo Twenty One Pilots has earned a large fan following over the past year thanks to a pair of singles that simultaneously charted in the top five of the Billboard Hot 100, one of which was recorded for the soundtrack of the movie Suicide Squad. You can hear their distinctive blend of pop and hip-hop live at Mandalay Bay Events Center this February.

Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Tournament
March 8–11
T-Mobile Arena
March madness starts early in Las Vegas as the Pac-12 conference brings its end-of-season men’s basketball tournament to Glitter Gulch. Settle in for three days of hoops fever as top ranked teams, including Arizona, Stanford and UCLA, square off in the entertainment capital of the world. The action tips off at T-Mobile Arena beginning at noon on March 8 and culminating in the what’s sure to be an epic championship March 11 at 8 p.m.

Are you visiting Las Vegas this winter? Keep abreast with the city’s hottest events by following VegasDaze on Facebook!

Thursday, December 1, 2016

New Year’s Eve is far and away Vegas’ busiest, most electric weekend of the year. More than 300,000 tourists gathered on the Las Vegas Strip to ring in 2016. The world-famous 4-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard is shut down to all traffic so revelers can party in the streets below the nation’s largest fireworks display. The casinos and nightclubs will play host to record numbers again this year, offering open bars, celebrity appearances and performances from some of the most acclaimed disc jockeys. To help you prepare for the madness that is New Year’s Eve on the Strip, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide.

There are a few things to consider when planning a trip to Vegas for the new year. Hotel rooms for the week of NYE sell out quickly, and rates typically rise during the holidays in response to high demand, which means book your room early to ensure you get the best price and a bed. The Strip is closed to all traffic at 6 p.m. Guests would do well to arrive at their hotel well before then. The Las Vegas Monorail will be the only form of public transportation in operation on the Strip and will run until 3 a.m. Jan. 1. It is also a good idea to bring warm clothing. The temperature could dip into the 30s by the stroke of midnight.

The party at Stratosphere’s 107 SkyLounge is always a top choice among NYE festivities. At 107 stories above the Strip, partygoers will have one of the best views of the city’s impressively coordinated fireworks display. The world’s tallest observation wheel, High Roller, is another obvious choice for the “ball drop.” Take in the massive block party from 550 feet in the air. Priority boarding includes an open bar, appetizers, DJs and views of the fireworks from the top half of the wheel. Aria, MGM Grand, Planet Hollywood, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, The Venetian and Stratosphere are the casinos slated to shoot off the fireworks, so any ground-level vantage points near these will also be prime real estate.

Fremont Street Experience is another favorite spot for NYE parties. In lieu of fireworks, the massive video screen canopy above Fremont Street will display a countdown and digital fireworks. The city’s original thoroughfare will be just as crowded as the Strip. This party is limited to Vegas visitors 21 or older. Tickets are required to attend and start at just $35. For both Strip and Downtown events, plan on arriving early and staying late.

For tourists more interested in the evening’s entertainment, just about every casino will have a big name headliner. Pop sensation Bruno Mars is slated to perform at the shiny, new Park Theater, part of the recently opened MGM property, The Park. Funk royalty George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic are set to boogie down at Brooklyn Bowl at The LINQ. Everyone’s favorite Canadian rapper, Drake, will take the stage at Hakkasan inside MGM Grand. Join the one and only Sting at The Cosmopolitan’s Chelsea Ballroom or living legend Elton John at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for your NYE countdown.

The most important thing to remember about NYE on the Strip is that those parties rage on into the morning hours, so pace yourself. There is always a heavy police force on Las Vegas Boulevard, but the tried and true buddy system ensures everyone stays safe. For more Vegas travel advice, fun facts and recommendations, follow VegasDaze on Facebook and share your NYE photos. We love hearing from you!

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Ski trips may not be the first thing associated with the desert, but Las Vegas actually makes the perfect base camp for exploring the Southwest’s best ski resorts. The resorts on this list range from one to four hours away by car and make for reasonable day trips. All are open unless otherwise noted, and all offer equipment rentals and lessons from quality instructors. Arriving in time for the first chair will have you back in Vegas for last call! Editor’s note: There is no such thing as last call in Vegas.

Southern NevadaLee Canyon
Less than an hour from the Las Vegas Strip, the friendly confines of Lee Canyon offer a wintry reprieve from the hot slots. The resort features nearly 3,000 feet of total vertical drop. Three chair lifts deliver skiers to more than two dozen runs. Opening day for the 2016/2017 season is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 9. Every year during the first week of January, Lee Canyon celebrates Elvis’ birthday by offering $20 lift tickets for skiers dressed in Elvis costumes. The day will feature live music and culminate in a costume contest where one lucky skier will be crowned “King of the Mountain.”

Southern CaliforniaBig Bear Mountain Resort
Two different ski areas, Big Bear and Snow Summit, make up this massive Southern California resort. Those who make the nearly-four-hour drive to the San Bernardino National Forest are rewarded with 26 lifts spread out over approximately 35 miles of skiable terrain. Bundle up for night sessions on Snow Summit during select dates. Visitors can enjoy $51 lift tickets as well as food and beverage specials Feb. 5 in honor of Super Bowl 51.

Mount Baldy
A slightly less crowded option, Mount Baldy boasts 800 acres of slopes. The resort is home to the largest and steepest slopes in Southern California. Nearly 30 runs in total span three peaks. There is something for every type of skier with traditional runs, open bowls and powdery chutes. Opening day on Mount Baldy is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 17. While there, be sure to enjoy a locally brewed beer or two at The Notch, the resort’s bar and restaurant at 7,800 feet that commonly hosts beer festivals, wine tasting events and live music.

Southern UtahBrian Head Resort
Set just north of Zion National Park, one of the country’s most beautiful swathes of land, Brian Head Resort is perfect for a day-long ski trip from Las Vegas at a little more than a three-hour drive away. Its eight chairlifts service more than 70 runs. The base elevation of 9,600 feet is the highest in Utah. The annual New Year’s Eve party kicks off with a torchlight parade down the mountain after sunset followed by a fireworks display not to be missed.

Eagle Point Resort
As the resort’s webpage succinctly states, Eagle Point Resort requires “a little more driving” for “a lot more value.” About an hour further north in Beaver, Utah, this five-lift resort features approximately 1,500 feet of vertical. If you like to venture beyond the boundaries, the resort has partnered with the National Forest Service to offer some of the country’s best backcountry terrain. There are several gates around the resort that allow access to the slopes of Fishlake National Forest. Eagle Point Resort is slated to open Dec. 17.

Northern ArizonaElk Ridge
This quaint “ski and recreation area” in Williams, Ariz., is like the Cheers of ski resorts. By the time you’ve explored the handful of cleverly designed runs, which will be sometime just before lunch, everyone will know your name. One lift takes skiers to an elevation of about 8,100 feet. After the 18th time of navigating Laura Falls, you’ll be more than ready to throw down a few cold ones with the locals at White Stag Cafe. It’s at the bottom of the hill. You literally cannot miss it.

Arizona Snowbowl
Located on the western slope of Mount Humphreys, the tallest point in the state and the most recognizable point on the San Francisco Peaks, Arizona Snowbowl is one of the few places to ski in the state. Six aerial lifts and two surface conveyors deliver eager skiers to 40 runs, nearly half of which are rated as intermediate. The longest run on the mountain clocks in at a whopping 2 miles. Three different terrain parks will challenge even the most advanced skiers and riders.

Las Vegas may sit in a desert, but there is plenty of skiing to be done not too far away. For more fun facts and travel advice, follow VegasDaze on Facebook!

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